| Kippreport.com

Belgian lower parliament endorsed Burqa ban

April 30, 2010 9:32 by Katherine Azmeh

The Belgian lower parliament unanimously endorsed a ban on identity-concealing-clothing, , with two MP’s abstaining from the vote, the BBC reported Friday. The new legislation which effectively bans the full-face Islamic veil, will be considered in the Belgian Senate next, where if passed, it will be the first of its kind in Europe, the BBC said.

Observers are divided over the sentiment behind the ban, with some contending that the veil ban is related to security requirements in the country, while others insist it is a symbol of women’s oppression.

Fine for breaking the law could include fines or jail time of 7 days, the BBC reported.

Tags: Belgium, burqa-ban, full face veil, identity, Islamic veil, obscure, parliament lower, senate, veil ban